Tips for Vegetable Transplants
Teresa Rusinek, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Attention to detail during transplant production will reward you with quality transplants and optimal results in the field.
Pathogens -There are numerous diseases that can impact your crop, and a good number of these can be seedborne. A first line of defense is to ensure you are planting clean seed. Buy disease indexed seeds when available. To reduce bacterial seedborne diseases in crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and brassicas, seeds can be hot water treated. Chlorine treatment can also be useful on some seeds as a surface treatment but will not kill pathogens inside the seed.
Tips for Beautiful Vegetable Transplants (pdf; 623KB)

Upcoming Events
Ag Labor Road Show IX
December 1, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 1
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
December 9, 2025 : Save the Date - Ag Labor Road Show In-Person Event (Greenwich, NY)
Greenwich, NY
The Roadshow delivers essential updates on labor law, regulations, and workforce best practices—tailored for farm owners, managers, and ag service providers. Sessions also focus on practical strategies to boost communication, strengthen retention, and build a positive workplace culture.
The in-person session for Eastern NY is December 9 - Elks Lodge, Greenwich, NY - full day in person session
Additional in-person sessions are:
December 10 - Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown, NY, December 17 - Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY, December 18 - Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY
December 22, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 2
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
2026 Winter Cut Flower Webinar Series
January 6, 2026 : Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
January 13, 2026 : Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
January 20, 2026 : Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
January 27, 2026 : Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
February 3, 2026 : Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends
Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends
Expanding Farm Sales: Markets, Profits, and Branding Series
January 10, 2026 : Session 1: Understanding Your Farm's Market Channels
Session 1: Understanding Your Farm's Market Channels
January 17, 2026 : Session 2: Selling to Schools & Wholesale Buyers
Session 2: Selling to Schools & Wholesale Buyers
January 24, 2026 : Session 3: Pricing for Profit- Tools & Strategies
Session 3: Pricing for Profit- Tools & Strategies
January 31, 2026 : Session 4: Marketing Strategies for Farm Sales Growth
Session 4: Marketing Strategies for Farm Sales Growth
